Soft Landing

Brett Corlett

Soft Landing NZ is for anyone thinking about, preparing for, or who has just immigrated to New Zealand. Drawing from Brett's personal experience, this series will guide you through the process of preparing for your move, helping you navigate the challenges of immigration, and settle into your new home with ease.

  1. 4d ago ·  Video

    Why Does Networking Matter So Much When Looking for a Job in NZ? | Why you not getting interviews in NZ | Q3

    You can bring your experience, qualifications and certifications with you to New Zealand, but there's one thing you can't pack into your suitcase: the professional relationships you spent years building back home. And that matters more than many immigrants realise. In this episode of the Soft Landing Podcast, I explore why networking and professional relationships matter so much when looking for a job in New Zealand, whether you're already here or still searching from overseas. After more than 20 years of building my career in South Africa, I arrived in New Zealand and had to start rebuilding those professional connections from scratch. And when you consider how small the New Zealand job market can become once you narrow it down to your particular industry, profession and location, relationships matter. In this episode, I talk about: Why your experience alone may not be enough Why professional relationships have influenced opportunities throughout my own career Why New Zealand's smaller job market makes connections particularly important Why networking isn't about asking strangers for jobs How relationships can lead to opportunities before they're even advertised Why repeatedly applying through SEEK and LinkedIn shouldn't be your entire job-search strategy Why immigrants need to deliberately rebuild their professional network in New Zealand This isn't a step-by-step guide on how to network. This series is about understanding the why behind the challenges immigrants face when trying to find work in New Zealand. Because once you understand why networking matters, you can start thinking differently about how you're approaching your New Zealand job search. Want help putting this into practice? I've created the New Zealand Job Search Masterclass specifically for immigrants who are already in New Zealand or planning to move here. It teaches you how to approach the New Zealand job market differently, build meaningful professional connections and create opportunities rather than simply mass-applying for jobs. Join the New Zealand Job Search Masterclass: https://soft-landing-nz-inner-circle.circle.so/checkout/nz_job-search-masterclass 🎧 Soft Landing NZ Helping immigrants understand the journey, prepare properly and make New Zealand home.

  2. Aug 19 ·  Video

    Why am I applying for jobs but not getting interviews? | Why Am I Not Getting Interviews in New Zealand | Q1

    You've sent 20 applications. Then 30. Then 50. And still… no interviews. Eventually you start asking yourself: "What am I doing wrong?" I know that feeling because I've been there myself. In this first episode of my Why You're Not Getting Interviews in New Zealand series, I'm tackling one of the biggest questions I hear from migrants trying to find work in New Zealand: Why am I applying for jobs but not getting interviews? When I was nine months into life in New Zealand, my employer announced a restructure. As the primary earner in our family at the time, I panicked and started applying for job after job. The interviews didn't come. What I eventually realised was that my experience hadn't suddenly become worthless because I'd moved countries. My approach needed to change. In this episode, I share that experience and some of the things I had to understand about positioning myself, adapting to the New Zealand job market and rebuilding the professional connections I'd spent years developing back home. This series is about answering the WHY behind the job-search challenges migrants face in New Zealand. Because once you understand why something isn't working, you can start changing your approach. Want a structured plan for your NZ job search? I've put what I've learned into the Soft Landing NZ Job Search Masterclass to help you understand the market, position yourself properly, build the right connections and give yourself a better chance of getting interviews. Start the Job Search Masterclass here.

  3. Jul 29 ·  Video

    Finding a Job in New Zealand from Overseas, Helping Kids Settle & Q&A Ep.40

    Moving to New Zealand can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to secure a job from overseas while also thinking about your family's future. In this live Q&A episode, Brett Corlett is joined by licensed immigration adviser Desire Lindeque to answer questions from people around the world who are planning their move to New Zealand. Together, they discuss what it's really like helping children settle into New Zealand schools, why choosing the right school can make all the difference, and how kids often adapt faster than adults. The conversation then turns to one of the biggest challenges migrants face: finding employment from overseas. Brett and Des share practical advice on building a job search strategy, using LinkedIn to create genuine professional connections, staying motivated through rejection, and why confirming your visa pathway should always come before investing months into a job search. They also share their own migration journeys, lessons they've learned since arriving in New Zealand, and why having a supportive community around you can make the entire process feel far less overwhelming. In this episode you'll learn: How children typically adjust to New Zealand schools What to look for when choosing a school or kindergarten Why many overseas job seekers struggle to get interviews How LinkedIn can become your most valuable job search tool Why networking often beats simply applying online The importance of understanding your visa pathway first How to stay motivated during a long migration journey Whether you're still exploring the idea of moving, actively applying for jobs, or preparing for your family's arrival in New Zealand, this episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement from people who've been through it themselves. If you'd like additional support on your journey, join the free Soft Landing New Zealand community Soft Landing NZ , where you'll find practical resources, live Q&A sessions, expert guidance, and a community of people all working towards the same goal. Connect with us: 🌐 https://softlandingnz.com 🎥 YouTube: @SoftLandingNZ

  4. Jul 22 ·  Video

    Finding a Job in New Zealand from Overseas: LinkedIn vs Recruiters Ep.39

    In this episode, Brett Corlett is joined by licensed immigration adviser Desire Lindeque to answer some of the most common questions from people planning a move to New Zealand. The conversation explores how the journey from residency to citizenship works, recent English language requirements for visas, travelling while on a work visa, Green List occupations and what employers are looking for when hiring migrants. Brett also shares a personal reflection on one of the less talked about aspects of immigration, being far from family during life's toughest moments and why it's important to consider both the practical and emotional realities of moving countries. The discussion finishes with practical job search advice, including why relying solely on recruiters isn't enough, how LinkedIn can help you build genuine professional relationships, and ways to position yourself for opportunities before applying. Whether you're just starting to explore New Zealand or you're actively looking for work, this episode is packed with practical guidance and real-world experience to help you prepare for your journey. Join the FREE Soft Landing NZ Community https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz Inside you'll find: • Free Pathway Assessment • Green List Tracker • Discovery Modules • Weekly resources • A supportive community of people on the same journey ⚠️ Immigration information provided during this live is general in nature and should not be considered personalised immigration advice. Please seek advice from a licensed immigration adviser regarding your individual circumstances. If you found this helpful, don't forget to Like, Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss our weekly New Zealand Immigration Q&A sessions.

    Finding a Job in New Zealand from Overseas: LinkedIn vs Recruiters Ep.39
  5. Jul 1 ·  Video

    How to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job in New Zealand Ep.37

    In this week's Weekly Live Q&A #3, I share one of the most powerful tools you can use to improve your chances of finding a job in New Zealand—LinkedIn. Having been through the job search myself as an immigrant, and after years of hiring and interviewing candidates, I've seen LinkedIn from both sides. In this episode, I explain what hiring managers are actually looking for, why your LinkedIn profile shouldn't simply copy your CV, and how you can use it to build your personal brand and create meaningful professional connections. I also share practical tips on networking, engaging with companies, and positioning yourself before and during your move to New Zealand. Joining me is Desire Lindeque, Licensed Immigration Adviser, who helps answer immigration-related questions from the community. Going forward, Desire and I will be hosting these live sessions together each week, combining practical immigration guidance with real-world job search advice and our own experiences of immigrating to New Zealand. In this episode, we discuss: How LinkedIn can help you find a job in New Zealand Why your profile should focus on achievements rather than responsibilities What hiring managers look for when they review your LinkedIn profile Building your personal brand Networking and creating professional connections Following companies and engaging with their content Some of the realities of settling into life in New Zealand Questions from the live audience My goal with these weekly sessions is simple: to share what I've learned, answer your questions, and help you have a softer landing than my family and I did when we moved to New Zealand. Important: I am not a Licensed Immigration Adviser and do not provide immigration advice. Immigration questions in these sessions are supported by Desire Lindeque, Licensed Immigration Adviser, or should be discussed directly with a licensed immigration adviser. Want More Support? Join our free Soft Landing community, where migrants support each other, ask questions, access practical resources, and learn from trusted experts and people who have already made the move to New Zealand. Whether you're still exploring your options, actively planning your move, or already living in New Zealand, you'll find guidance, encouragement, and practical tools to help you have a softer landing. https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz

    How to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job in New Zealand Ep.37

About

Soft Landing NZ is for anyone thinking about, preparing for, or who has just immigrated to New Zealand. Drawing from Brett's personal experience, this series will guide you through the process of preparing for your move, helping you navigate the challenges of immigration, and settle into your new home with ease.